YWCA Missoula hosts another Brown Bag Lunch Discussion on Friday, March 16, from noon to 1 p.m. University of Montana professor Sara Hayden will use a case study from Gallatin County to explain how dominant definitions of motherhood function to punish women
"In the contemporary United States, women with children are expected to enact a set of behaviors that scholars have variously dubbed 'intensive mothering,' 'the new Mom-ism' and 'patriarchal motherhood.' These behaviors are promoted through various institutions, including the media, consumer culture, and the state," Hayden said. "This discussion explores what happened to one Montana woman, Bridget Kevane, who defied the norms of contemporary motherhood."
Hayden has worked at the University since 1994 and instructs courses on gender and rhetoric. Her research is in the area of rhetorical criticism and theory.
The Brown Bag Lunch Series is a component of YWCA Missoula's Women's Economic Advancement initiative focusing on women's leadership. Each season, which follows the academic calendar, explores topics that impact women.
To learn more about Hayden's case study, visit http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/09/dont-hate-her-because-shes-educated/.
For more information about the Brown Bag Series, contact Michelle Williamson at 543-6691 or mwilliamson@ywcaofmissoula.org.